Action will be taken against petrol stations that close early to make profit - Minister

The Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry (KPDNKK) will take action on any petrol station operators that close their premises when the fuel price is announced in order to make more profit.

Its minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin said those who committed the offense could be charged under the Control of Supplies Act 1961.

According to Hamzah, his ministry has investigated consumer complaints on the matter.

“When I get a complaint from some users, we will investigate. Yesterday, I met with the Petrol Station Operator Association and next week I will meet with oil companies.

“We will take action if it is proven that they committed the offense,” he said during a press conference today.

Several media had reported that consumers had claimed that some petrol stations close early on Wednesday as they allegedly wanted to gain more profits when RON95 and RON97 petrol prices went up by four sen and diesel by seven sen effective Thursday.

In fact, some claimed that the pump hoses at a petrol station were tied with raffia string and the lights were switched off.

However, the petrol station was said to be re-operated after 12 midnight on that day and consumers were later subjected to the new petrol and diesel prices.